Help with purchasing a refurbished GC-FID

[cwehinger]

Hi,
We are looking to purchase a refurbished GC-FID to replace a HP 5890. We have narrowed down our options to an Agilent 7820A or an Agilent 6890. I have previous experience with the 6890s but none with the 7820s. What are peoples opinions on the 7820? Do they use the same consumable as the 6890s? We are a small lab that will currently be using the instrument only for ethanol testing, but I want the flexibility to add onto the instrument in the future if our testing needs change.

thank you for your input.

[GasMan]

You need to be careful here. The 7820 is a 'throttled down' version of the 7890 just as the 6820 was a 'throttled down' version of the 6890. Throttled down means that not all detectors, inlets and pneumatic devices are available. If you just need a capillary inlet with a FID, the 7820 will suffice for your needs, but if you need a GC that will be more flexible ( and think of the future), then consider the 6890.

Gasman

[cwehinger]

Thank you for your response. This is exactly what I was looking for

Chuck

[Himar]

The thing I never liked about the 7820 was the lack of a front panel, which can be annoying when troubleshooting. Other than that, it uses less space than the 6890.

[AICMM]

Have no experience with 7820 but plenty with 6850 versus 6890. Hands down I would Jith the 6890 over a stripped down unit like the 6850. Especially true if you think you will need valving of any sort in the future.

Best regards,

AICMM

[MSCHemist]

What's wrong with your 5890? Most parts are still available. Looks like I am going to have to replace the Proportional Control Valve on mine, but $900 vs junking it is still a good value.